Finally is spring and in Cyprus we have the opportunity to use zucchinis flowers or “anthous”! “Anthoi” is a very well know food in Cyprus, either stuffed with rice, tomato and herbs or fried. Its a “mamadistiko” mama’s food. It is always best to pick them up in the morning when the flowers are open.

Our version of “anthous” with vegan cheese in combination with sun dried tomatoes, herbs and tomato sauce gives the recipe a unique mediterranean taste. Use the blossoms as soon as possible after picking, as they will wilt within a day or store them in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

These fantastic summer recipe is ideal to impress your guests. They can be served as an appetizer or as a main course. Natasa loves these recipe and we hope you will love it as well because is nutritious, protein rich and super delicious.

Wash the flowers individually, removing any external green leaves, using a sharp knife. Care to handle them gently. Drain the water and place the bottom of each blossom into the opening of another to prevent from closing, and set aside to drain thoroughly. Pat dry before using.

In a pan add 3-4 tablespoons olive oil. Add chopped onions, zucchinis, sauté for a couple of minutes until softened and golden. Set aside.

Carefully fill each flower with 1-2 teaspoons of the “Cream cheese” filling. Fold the open end of the flowers inward and turn underneath to enclose it and prevent the filling from escaping during baking. Arrange the stuffed flowers in the baking pan, one firmly packed next to the other, until the pan is covered in a single layer.

Pour the tomato sauce to cover the flowers, drizzle with olive oil, and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30-40 min until golden. Serve warm or at room temperature with Vegan tzatziki dip.

These are Greek vegan “meatballs” made with potatoes & walnuts, in a rich and spicy tomato sauce. Here is a simple vegan recipe, based on the traditional way of making delicious Soutzoukakia. They are lovely, nutritious and delicious. So yummy!